NY mandates CO detectors in restaurants

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has signed a new law that requires restaurants to install carbon monoxide detectors. The legislation was prompted, in part, by the death of a restaurant manager at a Huntington Station restaurant in February.

Cuomo, a Democrat, approved the measure late Monday amid a flurry of bill signings and vetoes.

The new law changes state fire prevention and building codes to mandate that restaurants and other commercial buildings install carbon monoxide detectors. It becomes effective in six months.

The proposal was sponsored by two Long Island state legislators, Sen. Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset) and Assemb. Steven Englebright (D-Setauket).

“Currently, in New York State one and two family homes and apartments are required to be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors. However, restaurants and other businesses are not,” Marcellino and Englebright wrote in a memo supporting the bill. “This has contributed to cases of illness and even death among patrons and employees. This bill brings restaurants and other businesses on par with residences in an effort to provide a safe experience for customers and employees.”

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